Mastering alternative computer access: the role of understanding, trust, and automaticity

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Motor Skill Acquisition

Background:

• Many individuals rely on computer-based assistive devices for communication and computer access.
• Current alternative access techniques often lack the automaticity of natural speech or touch-typing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose that controlling alternative access techniques should achieve automaticity comparable to natural skills.
• To discuss the process of cognitive-motor skill acquisition for assistive technology users.
• To identify factors affecting the development of automaticity in alternative computer access.

Main Methods:

• Review of the cognitive-motor skill acquisition process.
• Outline of prerequisites and impediments to motor automaticity.
• Analysis of factors influencing skilled control across the assistive technology lifecycle (design, assessment, prescription, training, evaluation).
• Inclusion of case examples to illustrate key issues.

Main Results:

• Skill acquisition for assistive technology involves specific prerequisites and potential impediments.
• Factors influencing automaticity vary across different stages of assistive technology use.
• Case examples highlight practical challenges and successes in achieving skilled control.

Conclusions:

• Achieving automaticity in alternative computer access is crucial for user fluency and independence.
• A systematic approach considering all stages of the assistive technology process is necessary to promote skilled control.
• Further research and optimized design/training strategies can enhance motor automaticity for users of assistive devices.